Acute anti-obesity effects of intracerebroventricular 11ß-HSD1 inhibitor administration in diet-induced obese mice.

The hypothalamus is the regulatory centre of both appetite and energy balance and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the hypothalamus is involved in the pathogenesis of obesity. Recently, inhibition of 11 ß hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type1 (11ß-HSD1) was reported to have an anti-obesity effect by reducing fat mass. However, the link between the role of 11ß-HSD1 in the hypothalamus and obesity has yet to be determined. In the present study, embryonal primary hypothalamic neurones and high-fat diet (HFD) fed mice were used to investigate the anorexigenic effects of 11ß-HSD1 inhibitors both in vitro and in vivo. In hypothalamic neurones, carbenoxolone (a non selecitve 11ß-HSD inhibitor) alleviated ER stress and ER stress-induced neuropeptide alterations. In HFD mice, i.c.v. administration of carbenoxolone or KR67500 (nonselective and selective 11ß-HSD1 inhibitors, respectively) was associated with less weight gain compared to control mice for 24 hours after treatment, presumably by reducing food intake. Furthermore, glucose regulated protein (Grp78), spliced X-box binding protein (Xbp-1s), c/EBP homologous protein (chop) and ER DnaJ homologue protein (Erdj4) expression was decreased in the hypothalami of mice administrated 11ß-HSD1 inhibitors compared to controls. Conversely, the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (PKB/Akt), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK/ERK) and S6 kinase1 (S6K1) in the hypothalamus was induced more in mice treated using the same regimes. In conclusion, acute 11ß-HSD1 inhibition in the hypothalamus could reduce food intake by decreasing ER stress and increasing insulin, leptin, and mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signalling.

Association of hearing impairment with insulin resistance, ß-cell dysfunction and impaired fasting glucose before onset of diabetes.

AIM: Diabetes is a known risk factor for hearing impairment. No study regarding the association of insulin resistance (IR), ß-cell dysfunction and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) with hearing impairment has been reported in the population without diabetes. We examined these associations using a representative sample of the Korean population. METHODS: Participants included 1589 males and 2496 females, who were ≥ 20 years of age and without diabetes from the Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Surveys of the Korean population (2010). Audiometric tests and laboratory examinations were performed. Homeostasis model assessments of IR and ß-cell function (HOMA-IR and HOMA-ß) were calculated. RESULTS: The prevalence of both high- and low-/mid-frequency hearing impairment among subjects with IFG was higher compared with those with normal glycaemia (42.2% vs. 24.5%, 14.7% vs. 7.8%, respectively). After adjustment for age, HOMA-IR and HOMA-ß showed significant association with high-frequency hearing impairment in males. In the multiple logistic regression analyses adjusting for confounding variables, the presence of IFG, higher HOMA-IR and lower HOMA-ß remained as independent risk factors for high-frequency mild hearing impairment in males < 70 years [odds ratio (OR) 1.441, 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.056 to 1.967; OR, 1.448, 95% CI, 1.039 to 2.101; and OR, 0.447, 95% CI, 0.274 to 0.729, P < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: IR, ß-cell dysfunction and IFG are associated with high-frequency mild hearing impairment in the male population < 70 years before the onset of diabetes.

Association of lead, mercury and cadmium with diabetes in the Korean population: the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2009-2010.

AIM: Despite increasing concern regarding health problems as a result of environmental pollutants, no association of toxic heavy metals with diabetes has been demonstrated in the general population. We investigated the association of heavy metals, including lead, mercury and cadmium, with diabetes in the Korean population. METHODS: This cross-sectional study is based on data from the fourth and fifth Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Surveys, which were conducted in 2009 and 2010 among members of the Korean population. Participants included 1588 men and 1596 women, 30 years of age or older, who were selected from all of the 16 administrative districts of South Korea. Measurements of blood lead, mercury and cadmium levels were performed. Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and homeostatic model assessment of ß-cell function were calculated in participants without diabetes. RESULTS: Blood concentration of lead, mercury and cadmium were slightly higher, but non-significantly, in participants with diabetes, compared with those without. After adjustment for age, sex, region, smoking, alcohol consumption and regular exercise, the prevalence of diabetes did not differ among quartiles of blood heavy metal concentrations. Correlation analysis of heavy metals with homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and ß-cell function did not indicate a significant relationship. The relationship of sum of heavy metal mixture with prevalent diabetes was also not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Blood lead, mercury and cadmium have no significant relationship with diabetes in the general Korean population.

Mechanical tenderisation of beef muscles for use in re-formed joints made with a cold-set binder.

Three treatments, blade tenderisation (BT), needle tenderisation (NT) and enhancement by brine injection+vacuum-pulsing (VP), were applied to each of two muscles from beef forequarter, M. pectoralis profundus and M. supraspinatus, and two from the round of the hindquarter, M. semimembranosus and M. vastus lateralis. The tenderised muscles and non-treated controls were re-formed into joints using a cold-set bonding agent and tested as steaks cut from the joints. NT and VP gave a similar degree of tenderisation, as indicated by W-B shear force and taste panel, while BT had a lesser but still significant effect. Cook loss from steaks was increased by BT and NT treatments for the, tougher, forequarter but not the hindquarter muscles. The overall conclusion was that NT and VP treatments are more effective than BT but that the 3 methods are satisfactory for tenderisation of beef for production of re-formed steaks. Reduced redness and higher bacterial numbers arising from VP could render this treatment more suitable for re-formed steaks for catering than for retail sale. A supplementary trial showed that slices from roasted VP-treated re-formed joints (as distinct from grill-cooked steaks tested in the main trial) were better in sliceability and equal to or better in sensory quality than those from commercial whole-muscle round roasts purchased in a supermarket.

Performance of cold-set binding agents in re-formed beef steaks.

Four cold-setting gel-forming binding agents were compared in preparation of re-formed steaks from strips of each of two muscles, M. triceps brachii-caput longum (TB) from the shoulder, and M. pectoralis profundus (PP) from the brisket, of steer forequarter. The binding agents, which were commercial preparations, were Activa, containing transglutaminase enzyme as active ingredient, Fibrimex, containing the blood plasma fractions fibrinogen and thrombin, Textor, containing a modified starch, and alginate, containing sodium alginate and Ca(++). Binding of the cooked steaks and of slices therefrom, was satisfactory for the first three of the above but relatively weak for the alginate agent. Colour of steaks was affected by binder, in that Activa and Textor treatments gave lighter, redder and yellower (higher L*, a*, b* values) steaks than did the other two. Overall acceptability ratings by taste panels corresponded with those for flavour in the case of TB steaks, with Activa and Fibrimex samples scoring highest (P<0.05). For the less tender PP steaks, the highest acceptability score was for the Textor samples, reflecting their scoring best for tenderness. Warner-Bratzler shear force values corresponded with tenderness ratings in that Textor samples had lowest shear values for both muscles, but the differences were not significant. The overall conclusion, considering cohesion, appearance, cooking yield and sensory quality of the products, was that the Activa binder performed best and would facilitate the production of good-quality chilled re-formed beef steaks from various low-value beef muscles, and without addition of sodium chloride if so desired.

Effects of enhancement procedures on whole and re-formed beef forequarter muscles.

Beef Supraspinatus and Triceps brachii muscles were subjected to three enhancement and/or re-forming treatments: (i) injected whole @ 15%w/w with salt-phosphate solution; (ii) injected and re-formed; (iii) injected with added flavouring and re-formed. The treated muscles were compared to whole uninjected controls. All injection treatments reduced shear force values of cooked samples and in most cases these reductions were reflected in sensory panel tenderness and chewiness ratings. For example, shear values for Supraspinatus were 83N/g in control samples and 50 in whole injected samples, while corresponding sensory panel tenderness ratings were 3.6 and 5.2. Enhanced samples did not differ from controls in sliceability or in colour and binding ratings, indicating that enhancement combined with re-forming can give an acceptable roast beef product. There were no differences in drip loss and very few differences in colour L*, a* and b* values for raw samples between any of the treatments. Addition of beef stock did not result in higher flavour ratings by sensory panels. Whole injected samples scored higher for flavour than both control (p<0.01) and injected+re-formed (p<0.05) samples.

The relationship of physiological maturity and marbling judged according to Korean grading system to meat quality traits of Hanwoo beef females.

Fifty seven carcasses from Hanwoo beef females were randomly selected by official meat graders and were sorted into three levels of maturity and marbling. Carcass data was collected for back fat thickness, longissimus area, carcass weight, meat colour, fat colour, marbling score, yield and quality grades. Mature carcasses had more yellow fat, coarser texture, a larger longissimus muscle area and lower quality grades and marbling scores (P<0.05). Carcasses with a higher marbling score had thicker fat and a higher quality grade. Carcasses with low marbling had a higher yield grade and a coarser texture (P<0.05). Higher marbling scores corresponded with lower cook and drip loss values for longissimus steaks. As the maturity of carcass was increased, the redness and lightness of meat and the yellowness of fat all tended to increase. Tenderness, flavour and overall acceptability scores for the older maturity group were lower than for younger and intermediate groups. Marbling was significantly (P<0.01) correlated with quality grade, crude fat content, cook and drip losses, and Warner-Bratzler shear force. The maturity level was also significantly (P<0.01) correlated with quality grade, fat colour, texture score, number of calves produced and milk teeth, meat redness and yellowness, fat yellowness, and Warner-Bratzler shear force. Results indicate that a low marbling group and older maturity group based on Korean grading system could negatively influence carcass traits and beef qualities of Hanwoo beef female.

Influence of slaughter weight and sex on yield and quality grades of Hanwoo (Korean native cattle) carcasses.

To assess the effects of slaughter weight and sex on APGS (Animal Products Grading Service) quality and APGS yield grade of Korean Hanwoo (n = 20,881) cattle, data were collected from cow, bull, and steer carcasses during a 1-yr period. Factors used to determine quality grade (marbling, meat color, fat color, texture, and overall maturity score) and yield grade (cold carcass weight, adjusted fat thickness, and longissimus muscle area) by the Korean grading system were recorded. Both yield and quality grades were improved (P < 0.01) with heavier slaughter weight, but there was no difference in yield grade for Hanwoo cattle classes heavier than 551 kg (P > 0.01). Longissimus muscle area, adjusted fat thickness, and marbling score increased (P < 0.01) with carcass weight. Bull carcasses showed higher yield but lower quality than those of cows or steers (P < 0.01). The quality grade of steer carcasses was higher (P < 0.01) than that of cow carcasses due to higher marbling scores, lower maturity scores, and heavier carcass weights. Hanwoo carcasses with larger longissimus muscle areas in relation to their carcass weight had lower APGS quality grades. The APGS quality grades were different between yield grade A and B carcasses (P < 0.01), but quality grade was not improved by increased fat thickness beyond the point of yield grade B. Adjusted fat thickness and marbling score showed significant (P < 0.01) differences among all yield grade classes, and this resulted in increased quality grade as yield grade decreased. Adjusted fat thickness showed the strongest correlation (r = -0.63) with yield grade, whereas marbling score had the strongest correlation (r = 0.81) with quality grade. Results showed a negative effect of castration on yield but a positive effect on quality. Also, data showed that Hanwoo carcasses with heavier weights had higher quality grades than those of lighter weight.

Isolation and in vivo and in vitro antifungal activity of phenylacetic acid and sodium phenylacetate from Streptomyces humidus.

The antifungal substances SH-1 and SH-2 were isolated from Streptomyces humidus strain S5-55 cultures by various purification procedures and identified as phenylacetic acid and sodium phenylacetate, respectively, based on the nuclear magnetic resonance, electron ionization mass spectral, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectral data. SH-1 and SH-2 completely inhibited the growth of Pythium ultimum, Phytophthora capsici, Rhizoctonia solani, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae at concentrations from 10 to 50 microg/ml. The two compounds were as effective as the commercial fungicide metalaxyl in inhibiting spore germination and hyphal growth of P. capsici. However, the in vivo control efficacies of the two antifungal compounds against P. capsici infection on pepper plants were similar to those of H(3)PO(3) and fosetyl-AI but less than that of metalaxyl.

Structure elucidation and antifungal activity of an anthracycline antibiotic, daunomycin, isolated from Actinomadura roseola.

The actinomycete strain Ao108 producing antifungal metabolites active against some plant pathogenic fungi was identified as Actinomadura roseola, based on the analyses of morphological and physiological characteristics. The antibiotic Da2B that showed a strong antifungal activity was isolated from the culture broth and mycelial mats of A. roseola strain Ao108 using various chromatographic procedures. On the basis of (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, and 2-D NMR correlation data, the antibiotic Da2B was confirmed to have the structure of an anthracycline antibiotic, daunomycin. In vitro antimicrobial spectrum tests showed that the antibiotic Da2B had substantial inhibitory activity (10 microg mL(-)(1) of MICs) against mycelial growth of Phytophthora capsici and Rhizoctonia solani. The antibiotic also showed antiyeast activity against Saccharomyces cerevisiae, but the growth of Candida albicans was not affected. Antibacterial activity was found only against Gram-positive bacteria. In the further evaluation of in vivo efficacy, application of the antibiotic Da2B effectively inhibited the development of Phytophthora blight in pepper plants. However, the control efficacy of the antibiotic against Phytophthora infection was somewhat less than that of metalaxyl. The antibiotic Da2B did not show any phytotoxicity on pepper plants even at 500 microg mL(-)(1).

Isolation and identification of antifungal N-butylbenzenesulphonamide produced by Pseudomonas sp. AB2.

An antifungal bacterial strain, isolated from a greenhouse soil sample, inhibits growth of microflora nearby. It was selected for further studies of bacterial antifungal properties. This isolate was identified as a Pseudomonas sp. based on carbohydrate utilization, and other biochemical and physiological tests. Petri plate assay revealed that the Pseudomonas sp. exhibited antifungal activity against the plant pathogens, Pythium ultimum, Rhizoctonia solani, Phytophthora capsici, Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium oxysporum. Using direct inhibition bioassay on TLC plates after ethyl acetate extraction of the culture filtrate, we correlated antifungal activity with production of antifungal compounds. An antifungal antibiotic was isolated from the culture filtrate and was identified as N-butylbenzenesulphonamide. ED50, values of the N-butylbenzenesulphonamide against P. ultimum, P. capsici, R. solani, and B. cinerea were 73, 41, 33 and 102 ppm, respectively.

Isolation, antifungal activity, and structure elucidation of the glutarimide antibiotic, streptimidone, produced by Micromonospora coerulea.

The antibiotic Ao58A,which showed strong antifungal activity against some plant pathogenic fungi, was purified from the culture broth and mycelial mats of Micromonospora coerulea strain Ao58 using various chromatographic procedures. The molecular formula of the antibiotic Ao58A was deduced to be C(16)H(23)NO(4) (M + H, m/z 294.1707) by high-resolution FAB mass spectroscopy. Analyses of (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, and 2D NMR spectral data revealed that the antibiotic Ao58A is the glutarimide antibiotic streptimidone, 4-(2-hydroxy-5, 7-dimethyl-4-oxo-6,8-nonadienyl)-2,6-piperidinedione. The antibiotic Ao58A was very effective in inhibiting growth of Phytophthora capsici,Didymella bryoniae, Magnaporthe grisea, and Botrytis cinerea in the range approximately 3-10 microg mL(-)(1) of MICs. In vivo evaluation of the antibiotic Ao58A under greenhouse condition showed strong control efficacies against the development of P. capsici, B. cinerea, and M. grisea on pepper, cucumber, and rice plants, respectively. The antibiotic Ao58A was equally as effective as metalaxyl, vinclozolin, and tricyclazole in the control of these plant diseases. However, it did not show any phytotoxicity on the plants even when treated with 500 microg mL(-)(1).

Hemodialysis for elimination of the nonionic contrast medium iohexol after angiography in patients with impaired renal function.

We examined the kinetics of contrast agent elimination during hemodialysis in 7 patients with end-stage renal disease on regular hemodialysis treatment (group I) and in 13 patients with impaired renal function (serum creatinine 214-657 mumol/l; group II). The nonionic agent iohexol was administered at a dose of 0.4-4.5 g/kg, and a 6-hour hemodialysis was performed with 1-18 h delay. This procedure removed 60-90% (mean 77%) of the iohexol present in the circulation at the start of dialysis treatment. The mean extraction ratio across the dialysis membrane was 0.47 and was inversely related to blood flow. The total clearance of iohexol was 70.4 +/- 24.6 ml/min and was very close to dialyzer clearance, as estimated from blood flow and extraction ratio. The plasma iohexol level after dialysis was related to the dose administered, iohexol clearance, and the patients' body weight. During peritoneal dialysis (36-60 liters dialysis fluid), 43-72% of the iohexol dose was removed from the patients' circulation. In patients of group II no further impairment of the renal function (increase of serum creatinine) in conjunction with angiography was observed. We conclude that hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are effective methods for removal of iohexol. Our observations suggest also that accelerated elimination of contrast media by prophylactic dialysis can be beneficial in preventing further reduction in renal function after angiographic procedures in high-risk patients.

[Analytic study of the hospital self inspection results with the medical insurance inpatient fee from the viewpoint of the hospital management--based on one university hospital pre-discharge inspection].

The purposes of this study were to evaluate the results of the hospital self inspection with the medical insurance and to offer basic materials to the medical insurance inspection and the education of medical insurance. The study was undertaken with 4,730 cases among the total 13,810 medical insurance in patients from Jan. 1990 to Dec. 1990 at one university hospital in Pusan. The major contents of the inspection were the omission of diagnosis and medical fee, curtailment, application mistake, the rates of inclusion, subtraction and total accumulation. The data were collected using patients charts and bills. The results of the paper analysis were as follows. 1. From the pre-discharge hospital self inspection, major omission were treatment and material fee but medication fee were moderately high and high curtailment was operation fee. 2. Decreasing order of operation fee adjustment were digestive (22.4%) muscular (22%) and neuro system operation (21.4%). Majority of the medication fee adjustments were injection form of medication (95.7%). 50% of the treatment fee adjustments were composed of injection fee (27.9%) and dressing or post-operative dressing fee (22.3%). 74.7% of material costs were composed of oxygen (30.6%), blood and the blood composed materials (44.1%). 3. Pre-discharge inspection showed 6% adjustment rate, 4.3% addition and 2.1% curtailment rate. Most of the adjustment were omission (66.1%). 4. Omission were divided by event omission (92.6%) and application mistake (7.4%). The decreasing order of omission fee were operation (21.84%), treatment (18.71%) diagnosis (18.68%), medication (14.53%) and material costs (10.84%). So operation and treatment part were the major part of the total omission fee (40.55%). 5. The average omission of diagnosis were 1,800 per month.